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REPORT 


OF A 


GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND EXAMINATION 


UPON THE LANDS OWNED BY THE 



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AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY 

OF 


TENNESSEE, 

BY 

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MAY 10th, 1856c 


PHILADELPHIA: 

J. HUFTY, STATIONER, 139 CHESTNUT STREET, ABOVE FOURTH, 

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REPORT. 


To the President and Directors of the Dickeson Marble 
and Zinc Mining and Manufacturing Company of 
Tennessee, 

Gentlemen: 

In compliance with your request, t submit herewith the follow¬ 
ing report on the past operations and present condition of the 
Mine and Quarry. A residence of four months at the properties 
afforded opportunities for a careful examination of all the lands, 
and for obtaining such information regarding it, as would lead 
to a proper judgment of the best course to be pursued in its 
future management. 

That portion of Knox County, in which" ate found the extensive 
deposit of variegated and compact marble, belonging to the 
company, is situated, both in a North-east and South-westerly 
direction from the city of Knoxville. 

The first named property was formerly owned by Col. James 
Welker, lies two and a half miles N. E. from the city, and embraces 
within its confines one hundred and fifty acres of excellent land. 
The hills and valleys are densely covered by a fine and luxuriant 
growth of native forest trees, comprising some of the numerous 
species of oak, hickory, maple, chestnut, pine, beech, locust, 


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gum, and many other species. These, in conjunction with the 
gracefully swelling ranges of small hills and valleys, present a 
scene of symmetry and repose exceedingly beautiful. 

The East Tennessee and Virginia railroad passes through the 
entire length of this property, and runs parallel with the marble 
bed which lies but one hundred feet south of the road ; in fact, 
at one point of the quarry, the marble may be craned upon the 
cars whilst they are resting on the main track. 

The main opening, which affords at present, so many beautiful 
varieties of marble, and so highly spoken of by all workers in 
marble, who have seen it; lies only one hundred feet south of the 
road, towards which the ground slopes gently. The main lead 
of this marble occurring on the company's property, (which is 
held in fee simple,) extends in length over a half a mile, and in 
breadth, (not including the wall rocks,) one hundred and fifty 
feet. The width along the lead, depends entirely on the 
number of the beds or strata, w T hich varies in some places from 
five to eight feet, each bed averaging from fifteen to twenty-five 
feet in thickness, increasing invariably in w'idth, compactness, 
and beauty as it descends. 

These several beds are separated by thin layers of rich, red, 
friable loam, which facilitates greatly in wedging out block of 
large dimensions. It is much more uniform than is usual to veins 
of this character, and quite as is desirable to find. 

The lead runs as far as I was enabled to ascertain, N. 43° E. and 
dips to the south, and forms a distinct system of veins, running 
chiefly in the same direction with the elevation or ridge. The 
dip of the layers cannot be set down with any very great 
degree of accuracy, those nighest the centre elevation are nearly 
perpendicular, while those near the edge incline more nearly to 
the horizontal. 

They lie parallel, and with some exceptions bear the same 
inclination, and maintain the same width of inclosing walls. 

The walls are composed of a fine bluish grey compact limestone, 
easily yields to iron instruments; it varies in thickness from 


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thirty to sixty feet, and burns into the finest kind of lime, which 
readily sells on the premises for ten cents per bushel. 

In architecture it acquires a sufficient hardness to resist any 
impression of the air or water. The solidity of it, and the ease 
with which it is wrought gives it great advantages. Exterior to 
this, we find a tender stone with a coarse grain, laying in beds 
from five to eight feet wide. Caverns of immense size completely 
studded with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of immense 
size occur throughout the limestone. 

The marble, of which I shall now speak consist of upwards 
of twenty distinct varieties ; most of which is composed of the 
remains of shells and zoophites, formed by a calcarious cement 
into a beautiful and variagated marble. It bears the highest 
degree of polish, and is elegantly marked by the sections of the 
shells and corals which it contains. Their constituent substance 
is a white crystalized carbonate of lime ; and their cavities are 
commonly filled with the same substance, presenting a striking 
contrast to the dark ground of the marble. 

Of the varieties, I shall speak of a few only of the most promi¬ 
nent ; at the North-east end of the lead, we find a beautiful deep 
reddish brown marble, with white and grey spots of zoophytic 
remains. This I shall take the liberty to designate in my 
description, as the Rosso Antico, or the Ancient Red. It occurs in 
immense beds, very clear from faults, and can be wedged out in any 
size from ten to forty feet long, and fifteen feet wide, and admits of 
the highest degree of polish. It presents through its structure 
beautiful groups of madriapores and shells, chiefly the pectinites ; 
but they have assumed the nature and grain of the marble ; and 
the shells seldom appear in their original form. 

To enumerate all the shells contained in this marble would be 
infinite ; it will be sufficient for the present to say, that they are 
of those fish which are called Pelasgic, or Oceanic, as inhabit the 
unfathomable depths of the Ocean. 

The Zoophytis are of many varieties, among which may be 
named the Milleporite, the Celleporite, the Entrochite, the 


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Coralite and Encrinite. It occurs in immense ledges, and may 
be pronounced inexhaustible, thousands of tons may be removed 
before having to penetrate more than a few feet below the 
surface. A noble specimen of this variety may be seen at the 
Exchange Reading Room, Philadelphia, wrought into an elegant 
mantle piece, at the Steam Marble Works of Eli Hess, where, 
for workmanship and beauty of design, cannot be surpassed in 
the United States. 

Another variety of red marble occurs in great abundance at 
this quarry, which I have designated as the llouge Antique. It 
is much lighter in color than the Rosso Antico, and contains less 
shells and Zoophites, but is not less beautiful; by many it is much 
admired for its crystaline form and delicate tint of red and 
brown. 

This resembles the celebrated red marble of Caen, in Norman¬ 
dy, and of which beautiful mantles and table tops and other 
ornaments abound in that capital. 

One variety of this marble is of a fiery red, mingled with 
white disposed in convolved Zones ; This marble is also susceptible 
of the highest Cast of polish, and masses of any required size can 
be obtained. The eight columns which decorate the new trium¬ 
phal arch, in the Carrousel at Paris, are of this variety of marble, 
which is one of the finest of Prance. Columns of this beautiful 
variety of marble, from Tennessee, are in process of erection, 
in the halls of the wings of the United States Capitol. 

Lumachelle , this is of a deep brown color, and contains a great 
number of shells, mostly fragmentary; forming little clusters, 
which appear with greater brilliancy from the contrast of the 
base. The quantity is inexhaustible, and like the above described, 
admits ot a fine polish. The Zoophytic marbles present varieties 
at once uncommon and beautiful. A fine kind occurs in great 
quantities, of a chocolate brown color, with numerous white and 
red Madriapores of various sizes and descriptions. Specimens of this 
variety may be seen in the cabinet at the office of the company. 

Castedini , this unique marble occurs much more extensive than 


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all the varieties except the Rosso Antico. It lies next to the 
wall rock, and contains hut few, if any fossils. Blocks from ten 
to fifty feet, entirely clear of fissures or faults, may be obtained 
with the greatest ease if required. Its color varies in different 
localities; the one most common is of a light fawn ground, stud¬ 
ded with small dots and patches of light red and pink, and 
crystaline angular patches of pure white. It admits of the 
highest degree of polish, works free and clear of seams. 

By the plainer class of citizens this marble is much admired, 
and is well calculated for furniture and mantle pieces. 

In France a similar marble forms most of their mantles and 
table tops, and is dug near the river Neste which joins the 
Garonne. Patrin says, large blocks have been raised at an 
enormous expense, for the decoration of the royal Palace of 
France. 

Zebra or Jaspar Marble , to which this name is given, on 
account of the clear and distinct layers of different colors, undu¬ 
lating with saliant angles like the Zones of fortification agate. 
The formation of these zones is owing to a play of crystallization, 
like that of agate, and in like manner they are always found 
exactly parallel among themselves, whatever may be the irregu¬ 
larity of their course. Some portions are formed in sheets on 
horizontal planes; and then these layers describe straight lines 
which are of lively marked colors, such as the white and red. 

Sometimes it occurs of a uniform fawn color, mingled with 
brown parallel veins; this variety admits of a high degree of 
polish. The only account we have of marble of this character 
among the ancients, was a column about twenty-four feet in 
height, found near the Appian-Way, and placed in the library 
of the Vatican ; the same which is now in the museum at Paris. 

The next property of which I shall speak owned by the 
company, is situated on the south side of the river Holston, one 
and a half miles from the city of Knoxville, and immediatly on 
the Knoxville and Charleston Rail Road, and contains three 
hundred acres of land. 


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The marble belt passes through the centre of this tract, 
similar to the one just described, and equally as extensive but 
not as many varieties. To enter into a minute description of the 
varieties, would be but a useless repetition of the former. 

Sufficet to say that in the almost immediate centre of this 
marble bed, occurs a fine vein of zinc ore five feet wide in the 
outcrop, and dips nearly vertical. 

It may be traced by the outcrop or gossan, which is composed 
of a spongy carbonate of zinc, traversing the hills for several 
miles, on its way to that immense deposit at Mossy Creek and 
Powell’s Run. A sufficient number of leases have been secured 
to the company to afford any amount of ore required, both 
silicate and carbonate, when they are ready to commence 
smelting operations. In my general report I shall dwell more 
minutely; for the present, this simple description of the quality 
and quantity must suffice. I cannot conclude this report how¬ 
ever, without expressing my conviction and unabated confidence 

in the immense profit that will result in the opening of this 
inexhaustible quarry. 

The immense quantity and superior quality of this marble, is 
calculated to excite the most sanguine expectations; and to raise 
the confidence which has been generally felt by all who have seen 
it, as to to the value of this property. 

With the present very large amount of marble quarried at so 
small a cost, and the other fine property on hand, the comparative 
trifling amount required for surface expenditures in future, and 
the expectations based upon the numerous railroads about being 
completed in its vicinity, with the great beauty and quantity, 
with all this I do not hesitate to say, that the time has arrived 
at which these quarries are capable of declaring large dividends. 

The actual cost of transportation at this time to Philadelphia, 
is but twenty-five dollars per ton, but with intelligent manage¬ 
ment and a small outlay of capital the transportation can be 
considerably reduced. 

The subject of marbles is almost infinite, as no mineral sub- 


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stance affords such innumerable diversities^ or lias so much 
attracted the attention of mankind. The term marble was 
originally applied to any mineral substance capable of receiving 
a polish, and used in consequence of the beauty of its appearance 
for ornamental purposes. At the present time it is applied to 
such mineral substances only, as from the nature and proportions 
of their constituent parts are denominated Carbonates of Lime. 

The term limestone also, which strictly speaking is applicable 
to any natural compound containing a large proportion of that 
earth, is now used to express those natural compounds only, in 
which lime combined with carbonic acid, is the principle constituent 
part. 

In this sense then, marbles and limestones are, with respect 
to their chemical analysis, the same; they differ only in their 
uses and external characters. 

Marble, however, may be distinguished from limestone by 
superior weight, and by superior hardness, so that it assumes a 
bright polish. It chiefly consists of about fifty per cent of lime 
and forty of carbonic acid, and thence it is called carbonate of 
lime. 

In a scientific point of view, marbles may be divided into four 
principle structures ; the Cranular ; the Compact , the Chonchitic , 
or that containing shells and the Zoophytic , or that with Madria- 
pores, &c. 

The Greeks and Romans were the first nations to introduce 
the marbles into their architecture. The Egyptians employed 
the eternal Granite and Basalt. It is well known from many 
examples that the Romans transported obelisks and columns 
from many countries to adorn Italy. 

In general the ancient ^nd finest marbles belonged to the 
granular description; it seems evident though it has escaped most 
antiquarians and mineralogists, that of all the antique marbles 
known to the Egyptians, Grecians and Romans, none were held 
in higher estimation than the superb Rosso Antico , which in the 
grand statues of Agrippa, (formerly in the Pantheon,) the Anti- 


V 


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nous, Indian Bacchus, and other exquisite remains, surpasses in 
beauty all the other marbles. This marble was from Egypt, and 
even in the time of Pliny, was carefully distinguished from por¬ 
phyry which came from the same place. 

The Rosso Antico, or ancient red, says Pliny, is often sprinkled 
all over with white dots, and sometimes with little tufts or flowers 
of white. Brand describes this beautiful marble as of a deep 
reddish brown, with little distinct black and white patches, and 
often sprinkled with small white dots. Antinous, the bust of the 
Indian Bacchus, the celebrated Statue of Agrippa,- Son-in-Law 
of Augustus, in the Grimani Palace at Venice, are of this 
imperial marble. In the Museum at Paris, and other princely 
collections, there are many Egyptian statues and other monu¬ 
ments in the Rosso Antico, the ancient red, the peculiar marble 
of upper Egypt or Ethiopia. 

All of wliich is respectfully submitted. 

MONTROVILLE W. DICKESON, M. I>. 
Philadelphia, Pa,, May Ylth, 185& 




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COPY OF AN ACT 

To Incorporate the Hibernia Mining Company. To incorpo¬ 
rate the Citico Mining Company. To incorporate the Caledonia 
Iron Company. The Dickeson Marble and Zinc Mining and 
Manufacturing Company. The Glen Alpine Mining and 
Agricultural Company of Sevier County, Tennessee. The 
Tennessee Nitre and Gunpowder Mining and Manufacturing 
Company. To incorporate the Sevier Mining Company. The 
Amall Mining Company of Polk County of Tennessee. To 
authorize George B. Miller to establish a Ferry on the South 
Fork of Forked Deer River. 

Section 21. Be it further enacted , That M. W. Dickeson, M.D. 
John W. Tilford, and George R. Hazwell, and their associates, 
successors and assigns, be and they are hereby created a body 
politic and corporate, by the name and style of the “ Dickeson 
Marble and Zinc Mining and Manufacturing Company of 
Tennessee,” and by that name shall have perpetual succession, 
and shall be competent to sue and be sued, in any Court of 
Equity or Law whatever. 

To have and to use a common seal and to alter the same at pleas¬ 
ure, to establish and charge any By-Laws for the government of 
said company, to purchase, hold, and dispose of such real estate, 
leases, mines, minerals and personal property, as may be neces¬ 
sary for the legitimate transaction of their business; to mine, 
smelt, work, manufacture and vend said minerals, and products 


4 


thereof. To create, dispose of and issue such number of shares 
of the stock of said company, at the representative par value 
thereof, as may be ordered by a vote of said company. To 
determine the par value of shares, and have the right to pay in 
the shares of stock of the Corporation for such mining interest 
and interests in real estate, as it may be deemed necessary to 
purchase for the operation of the works of the company, and 
generally to have, enjoy and exercise all rights and privileges 
incident to corporations, except the right to issue notes, or to 
engage in banking. 

Sect. 22. Be it further enacted, That whenever said company 
shall become possessed of mines, or mineral leases, situated in 
this State or elsewhere, a separate and distinct interest of each 
mine or lease may be created, under some name, to distinguish 
the same, and in like manner may organize under, and enjoy as 
a distinct Branch Interest, all the rights and privileges named 
in the first section of this act. 

Sect. 35. Be it further enacted , That this Act shall take 
effect from and after its passage. 

Passed February 21st, 1856. 

NEIL S. BROWN. 

[l. s.] Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

EDWARD S. CHEATHAM, 
Speaker of the Senate. 

State Department, February 2 6th, 1856. 

I, W. N. W. Burton, Secretary of State, do hereby certify 
that the above is a true copy of Sections 21, 22 and 35th of an 
Act, deposited in my office, entitled as above, and being all of 
said Act that refers to the “ Dickeson Marble and Zinc Mining 
and Manufacturing Company of Tennessee.” 

W. N. W. BURTON, 
Secretary of State. 


BY-LAWS 


OF THE 


DICKESON MARBLE AND ZINC MINING 


Atm MANUFACTURIIM COMPANY 

' OF TENNESSEE, 

Adapted at a Meeting of the Stockholders, held in the 
City of Philadelphia , the Fourteenth day of 

April, 1856 . 


RULE i. 

Subscriptions to Stock. 

The stock shall be issued full paid on its face, and no stock¬ 
holder shall be personaly held liable. 

RULE II. 

Location of Business Offices. 

The principle office of this company shall he in the city of 
Knoxville, Tennessee, an office for the transaction of the business 
of the company, may also be opened at the city of Philadelphia, 
and at the quarries or mines if the directors shall deem neces¬ 
sary. 






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RULE HI. 

* 

Meetings of Stockholders. 

Annual Meetings of the Stockholders of this company shall 
be held in Philadelphia, at their office, fourth Friday in April, 
in each year after the present. 

Special meetings of the Stockholders may be held, when 
called by the Board of Directors. Ten days previous notice of 
both annual and special meetings, shall be given in one or more 
newspapers, published in the city of Philadelphia, and also by 
written notices, sent to each stockholder, served upon them at 
their place of business or residence, and the Board of Directors 
shall call such special meetings on the written request of the 
owners of one third of the capital stock of the company. 


RULE IV. 

Election of Directors. 

The corporators and their associates at the present meeting, 
and the stockholders at their annual meetings, shall elect a 
Board of Seven Directors, (each owning in his own right, not 
less than one hundred shares of stock,) who shall continue in 
office until the next annual meeting, and until others are elected. 
Each share of the stock shall be entitled to one vote, and shall 
be given by the holder in person, or by proxy j but all proxies 
shall be dated within thirty days previous to such election. 
Adopted. 

Vacancies in the Board of Directors, whether occurring by 
death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled by the remaining 
members. 

In the event of a failure to hold an election for directors at 
the annual meeting, the former directors shall continue in office 
until an election shall be held. 


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RULE V. 


Powers and Duties of Directors. 

The Directors shall elect one of their members as President, 
they shall chose a Secretary and Treasurer, who may or may not 
be one and the same person, and may require him or them to 
give bonds in such sums, and with such securities as they shall 
deem adequate for the faithful performance of the duties of his 
or their trust. 

They shall have power to appoint all other officers or agents 
of the company, and to fix the compensation and define the 
duties of all their officers and agents, and have power to organize 
a branch companies under the provision of the charter. 

Stated meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the 
office of the Company in the city of Philadelphia, on the fourth 
Friday of every month. Special meetings may be called at any 
time by the President or Secretary. At all meetings of the 
Board of Directors, four members shall constitute a quorum, for 
the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at any 
stated or special meeting, two members may transact the business, 
and their acts shall be valid if approved at the next meeting, 
when a quorum is present. Adopted. 

The Board of Directors shall have power to erect a code of 
By-Laws, for the government of its agents and operatives at the 
quarries or mines, as they shall deem proper, and the same at 
any time to alter and amend or annul, and generally to do all 
acts, (not inconsistant with the Charter and By-Laws of the 
Company,) which they shall deem will best promote the interests 
of the stockholders. Adopted. 

RULE VI. 

Duties of the President. 

The President shall preside at the meetings of the Board of 
Directors, and perform such other duties as are incident to the 
office of President. In the absence of the President, the Presi- 


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dent pro tempore, shall during such absence discharge all the 
duties of the President. 


RULE VII. 

j Duties of the Treasurer. 

The Treasurer shall receive and pay out, under the direction 
of the hoard, and agreeably to its By-Laws, all moneys which he 
may receive from time to time, for the use of the company, and 
shall have power to pay bills of less amount than one hundred 
dollars, the Secretary attesting to the correctness of the same. 
Adopted. 


RULE vm. 

Duties of the Secretary. 

The Secretary shall keep a record of the minutes and proceed¬ 
ings of the board, and to transcribe them in a suitable book pro¬ 
vided for that purpose, make the necessary transfers of its stock 
and issue certificates therefore, and to keep the stock ledger, 
receive all moneys, paying the same to the Treasurer, taking his 
receipt for the same. Adopted. 

RULE IX. 

Certificates of Stock. 

Certificates of stock, under the seal of the company, signed by 
the President and Secretary, shall be issued to the stockholders 
in such form as the directors shall determine. Adopted. 

Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the company, 
in the presence of the President or Secretary, either in person 
or by attorney, upon the surrender of the certificate. No stock¬ 
holder, indebted to the company, shall be allowed to transfer his 
stock without special permission of the Board of Directors. 
Adopted. 


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RULE X. 

Dividends. 

The Directors may declare dividends of the profits of the 
company whenever they shall deem it expedient, giving due 
notice in one or more newspapers, published in Knoxville and in 
the city of Philadelphia, of the time and place of such dividends, 
the transfer books of stock shall be closed for ten days immedi¬ 
ately after the declaration of any dividend. 

RULE XI. 

Seal. 

The Company shall have a common seal, with such inscription 
and devises as the Board of Directors shall determine. 

RULE XII 

Amendments. 

No alterations er amendments shall be made to these By-Laws, 
without due notice being given at one stated meeting to be 
adopted at the following. 


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